Modern Pottenstein, Germany

Below the walled ruins of the old city of Pottenstein is a rural German village. It is similar in many ways to other German villages we've passed through. This village sits in a narrow valley. There is a pilgrimage walk in the valley that includes the village. Pilgrims walk from grotto to grotto. 

As you can see, houses are built together so that their eaves form valleys which drain water from between two houses. Farm homes and barns can be found within many of these villages. They are typically three-story buildings. Animals occupy the lowest level, the living and dining area are on the second level, and bedrooms are on the third level. In more rural areas, the barn may be separate from the house. However, the pattern of farmers clustering together into a village and driving their cattle out to graze in the countryside is common. 

Churches are a central feature of all of these villages. In this village you see a church surrounded by a terraced cemetery.